Exercise Scientist Explains Why Training Till Failure Might Not Be the Best Idea Always: “So Much Extra Recovery Time”

Jack LaLanne, a bodybuilding genius invented the method of training to failure. He worked out repetitively until he experienced muscle fatigue, in whichever part he was trying to hit, or when he failed to carry forward a particular routine. And his footsteps have been followed by bodybuilding legends Mike Mentzer and Tom Platz. 

While some bodybuilders like them have not only advocated this method of training to failure but also incorporated them in their workouts, others like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronnie Coleman have dismissed the idea. Recently, even the Exercise Scientist, Dr. Mike Israetel explained why one should not train to fail and go through muscle fatigue. 

Dr. Mike Israetel says consistency is the only key

Dr. Mike Israetel recently took to his official Instagram account and explained why one should not be training till failure. He began by saying that when you are training somewhere around 85% of your maximum ability, you are getting 85% of your maximum growth. This means you will get around 15% muscle growth in a week if you go to 100%.

However, the accumulation of fatigue is faster in that case, and you cannot train heavily every week. The 15% gain is simply illusory because you are not getting anything the next week. He says to get jacked, consistency is the only key. The Exercise Scientist stated, “Consistency. And that is precisely something that going all out cannot allow you to do because you need so much extra recovery time.”

Read More: “You Would Die if That Happened”: Infuriated by “Peak Nonsense”, Exercise Scientist Lashes Out at Mark Wahlberg’s Personal Trainer Over Exercise Technique

He further added that what matters the most is the ability to come back to the gym. That is the only way you get to be exceptionally lean. While the Exercise Scientist unraveled all the reasons why one must not train to failure, according to Mike Mentzer, high-intensity training, and just one set of exercises to failure work for your body. Here’s his take on the method.

Mike Mentzer does not believe progress in ‘tiny dribbles’

The Heavy-duty high-intensity training discovered by Mike Mentzer based on the method of training to failure helped bodybuilders like Dorian Yates win multiple titles of Mr. Olympia. It also allowed Mentzer himself to make significant progress and cut down his gym time from three hours a day to just an hour. In this process, the exercise has to be brief and occur more often.

Read More: “Is It This Impressive? No”: Exercise Scientist Slams Jacked 21-YO Fitness Icon’s Poor Bench Press Technique Despite His Viral Popularity

As per Mentzer’s belief, it stimulates growth during the rest period, not during the workout regime. He says, “Progress should not be witnessed unpredictably in tiny dribbles every eight months or so, you should see progress in every single set of every single exercise.” According to him, just one set of total failures with forced reps is enough to have a successful workout.

Well, the debate about whether the method of training to failure is never-ending. Be it among the golden era athletes or the modern-day Bodybuilders. Do you think it is effective? Or do you side with the Exercise Scientist in this one? Let us know in the comments section below!